Tribute

L/Cpl. Hylan Lynn Crowder
Nick name: Critter

High School Photo
(submitted by Wanda Hathcock">  

Tribute

L/Cpl. Hylan Lynn Crowder
Nick name: Critter

High School Photo
(submitted by Wanda Hathcock,
whose brother-in-law, Ledell, a best friend of
Lynn's, also served in Vietnam.)
 

Delta company, 1st. M.P. Battalion

Dec. 1967--Aug 23, 1968

Killed In Action 

at the Cam Le Bridge

 Quang nam Province, Danang, Vietnam 

Lynn Graduated from Winnonia High, In Winnonia, Miss., in 1966.
He attended a local Community college for a while, before deciding to join the United States Marine Corps.

L/cpl. Hylan Lynn Crowder, was the only son of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Hylan Crowder, of Winnonia, Miss. He has two sisters, but he was a sole surviving son, The only child of his family, that could carry on his family name. Thereby, he could have avoided duty in Vietnam. But this was not his way. Instead he chose the fighting forces of the United States Marines. He was a member of Delta Company, 1st. M.P. Bn, 1st. F.L.C.  He was the 2nd. fire team leader of the 1st squad, 3rd platoon. His tour of duty began in Vietnam December,1967 and ended on 23 August 1968, at the Cam Le Bridge, while engaged in action, against hostile Viet Cong, and North Vietnamese regular forces. He was wounded, no less than three times, in the ensuing 8 1/2 hour battle, but he never stopped fighting until he was mortally wounded by a rocket propelled grenade. Lynn had fought most gallantly, and heroically, and never wavered in his duties. He was a great inspiration to us on that ill fated day, and will forever live in our hearts, and memories, in a place of honor. For he ain't heavy, cause he's my brother.

I recently had the honor, of talking with Lynn's parents, and one of his sisters, Sally.  After 30 plus years. A dam bursted within me, but I was glad that his parents were able to find out how gallantly their son had fought, and died, as they had never known.  I made this promise to Lynn, and I have now fulfilled that promise.  I did not forget. If any other unit members  would like to speak with them, I would try and put you in contact.

To find out more about this American hero, read The Battle